The Thames at Greenwich

A view of the waterside in Greenwich, with the Queen's House and Royal Naval College in the background.

The town of Greenwich derives its name from Old English, meaning 'green harbour' or 'port'. It became popular in the 16th century, when Henry VIII holidayed there, and its popularity with royalty and gentry increased during the reign of Elizabeth I, who quarantined herself from the Black Death in the Queen's Palace in Greenwich Park. A few years before this image was made, a steamboat service was established linking Greenwich to London and the West End. A train station was also built around the same time, linking Greenwich to London Bridge station: the first suburban rail link in London.